Transcendentalism choices were that they be anti-religious, they felt that the authority of organize religion needed to be rejected and that people needed to find God within themselves, through the power of “intuition”. They chose to believe in nature over the government. Many lived in the woods to become one with nature. They are against main stream things. Transcendentalists believe that they don't need the "extra" things in life.

They rejected the "philosophy of empirisism", which said all knowledge comes from experience. They relied on intuition and the five senses. They believed that being isolated in nature gave a glimpse into the divine. They were fairly anti-religious and didn't believe in social codes.

Transcendentalists were preoccupied with the world of spirit. They favored a higher reality, "The world of spirit" through an inborn power.

They did not believe in organized religion, or religious authorities. They were anti-religious and strongly believed in self reliance and individuality.